As AI Use Surges, New Survey Finds Nearly One-Third of Businesses Targeted by AI-Enabled Scams

JERICHO, NY, September 23, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming an everyday business tool, but new research suggests cybersecurity practices may not be keeping pace.

According to a new 2026 Nationwide survey, six in 10 business owners say employees are using public AI chatbots or writing tools for work-related tasks. However, only 36% report having written policies governing employee AI use, and just 37% provide training on responsible use.

The risks aren't only coming from inside the workplace. Nearly one-third, 31%, of small and mid-market business owners surveyed said their company had been targeted by a scam or fraud attempt using generative AI within the previous 12 months.

Inter Insurance Agency says the findings are a reminder that the rapid adoption of new technology can create new exposures for businesses of virtually every size.

"AI has become incredibly accessible, both to legitimate businesses and to the people trying to exploit them," said Tim Derham of Inter Insurance Agency. "An employee can receive an email, phone call or even convincing content that appears to come from someone they trust. Businesses need to think about what happens before an attack, but also what happens afterward."

Nationwide's survey found that only 35% of business owners have an up-to-date incident response plan. More than a third, 35%, also believe employees are using unauthorized AI tools for work.

Cyber insurance can be an important component of a broader risk-management strategy. Depending on the policy, coverage may help address expenses associated with events such as data breaches, cyberattacks, business interruption, recovery efforts and certain liabilities resulting from a cyber incident.

Insurance, however, is only one part of preparation.

Inter Insurance Agency encourages businesses to establish clear policies regarding the use of AI tools, train employees to recognize phishing and impersonation attempts, control access to sensitive information and maintain an incident-response plan.

Businesses should also periodically review their cyber insurance as their operations and technology use change.

"The way companies work is changing extremely quickly," Derham added. "Your risk management and insurance shouldn't be based on what your business looked like three or four years ago."

The Nationwide research was conducted by Edelman Intelligence through an online survey fielded July 10-26, 2026.

About Inter Insurance Agency

Inter Insurance Agency provides insurance solutions designed to help businesses and individuals manage risk and protect the assets they depend on. The agency works with clients to identify their insurance needs and develop coverage strategies appropriate for their operations and exposures.

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